Event organizers must now provide anti-virus security for visitors. What are your responsibilities for sanitary safety?
For us, as organizers, the safety of your visitors is of course a priority. This year we have taken care of social distance, divided flows at the entrance and at the exit. We made a special meeting area, and it's huge. We also expanded public areas and a food area. We will ensure that people wear masks and are able to use hand sanitizers. In order to enter the exhibition, you must be vaccinated (Russian vaccines are not yet quoted) or have an up-to-date PCR test. We provide the opportunity to do this test just before the exhibition.
How many countries are you expecting this year?
45 countries are registered to date, which is a very good result that seemed incredible a year ago. Entry is problematic for Russian representatives, as Russian vaccinations have not yet been accepted by the French government. For the USA and Canada, entry is also quite difficult today. So, some countries will participate primarily online.
Retail and shopping centers have been showing wild imagination over the past year. What retail novelty related to quarantine or any other viral restrictions impressed you the most?
The use of omnichannel amazes me. For example, the Etam group, together with Retail Reload, this year will transform its 40-meter stand into a real omnichannel pop-up store where participants can shop. Participants will be able to see the product on the screen, place an order and pick it up using Click & Collect at the stand in an hour. The most exciting thing is the opportunity to use the smart fitting room and even get personalized recommendations. In fact, I would like to wish all market participants to learn how to successfully mix online and offline, otherwise there is no way now. We really hope to see Russian representatives as early as possible, we miss you.